Researchers have found almost 1,700 ancient virus species in Himalayan glacial ice. Three-quarters of these viruses were previously unknown.
A recent paper detailed the discovery by analyzing viral DNA fragments in ice cores from the Guliya Glacier on the Tibetan Plateau. By analyzing the DNA of these ancient viruses, the researchers hope to understand better how viruses adapt to changing climates.
“Before this study, the link between viruses and large-scale Earth’s climate changes was largely uninvestigated,” explained ZhiPing Zhong, a research associate at The Ohio State University. “Glacial ice is scarce, often limiting virus and microbe research.”
The paper reported that viruses from “nine-time horizons spanning three cold-to-warm cycles” were found in ice cores from the Guliya Glacier in the Himalayas. These ancient viruses have also been discovered in permafrost at locations worldwide, including Siberia.
The melting of permafrost and glaciers due to climate change has raised concerns about potentially releasing viruses that could infect humans. According to Jean-Michel Claverie of Aix-Marseille University, if amoeba viruses can survive in permafrost, it suggests that animal/human-infecting ones could also remain infectious.
“We’ve detected the DNA of animal/human-infecting viruses in permafrost. This discovery reveals how these ancient viruses adapted and evolved with significant climate changes, including the shift from the Last Glacial Stage to the warmer Holocene epoch.”
A quarter of the viruses in the ice core overlapped with species found elsewhere, indicating potential transportation from regions like the Middle East or the Arctic. Understanding ancient virus evolution due to climate shifts helps predict modern virus reactions to climate change.
A professor of earth sciences at Ohio State sees this science as a new tool to answer basic climate questions. However, the rate of glacial melt has significantly increased over the past century, making it difficult to indefinitely research life frozen in glacial ice cores.
Between 2010 and 2019, Himalayan glaciers melted 65% faster than between 2001 and 2010. A 2023 report by ICIMOD projects that by 2100, 30-50% of glacier volume may melt if the climate warms by 1.5-2°C, and up to 80% could be lost with a 4°C increase.
Matthew 24:37 But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Matthew 24:38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
Matthew 24:39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Luke 21:11 And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and diseases; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.
Luke 21:25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
Luke 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
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